The LA Galaxy’s Robbie Rogers has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence in 2014, with the 27-year-old’s starring performances at left-back rewarded on Thursday with a multi-year contract extension.

The former winger was converted to the positon earlier in the season after the club’s defence was hit with a spate of injuries, and has since proved a revelation in his 15 starts in the role.

“We are excited that Robbie will remain a part of our organization going forward,” Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena said in a statement. “He has proven to be a dynamic player in our League and an integral part of our success this year. We look forward to his continued contributions in the years to come.”

Marking an amazing turnaround since his brief retirement upon leaving Leeds United in 2013, Rogers has now been tipped to earn a first US national team call-up since 2011, and Galaxy captain Robbie Keane believes he thoroughly deserves another look.

“He's a player who has grown in stature in that position. If you're looking at the best left-backs in the league, certainly he's up there. There's no question about that.

“I'm sure if Mr. [Jurgen] Klinsmann was a very, very good manager and watching the games, there's no question [Rogers] should certainly be in the [US national team] squads.”

Considered one of the US national team’s brightest attacking prospects after helping the Columbus Crew to the 2008 MLS Cup, aged 21, Rogers would go on to earn 18 senior caps from 2009 to 2011, as well as a place on the 30-man provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup.

His career would hit a horror spell upon moving to Leeds in December 2011, however, with various injuries hampering his progress during his 13-month stint with the Championship club.

Now considered the best left-back in MLS, though, Rodgers didn’t earn a call-up to Jurgen Klinsmann’s current US squad for the friendlies against Colombia and Scotland, but he should be a prime candidate to make the January training camp roster.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.